Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Sep 16: For the last three months, it is learnt, those who worked under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in the taluk have not received their coolie. As per information, after the last week of June, these people have not been paid their duel.

Under this scheme, 90 percent cost is borne by the central government and ten percent by the state. The amount expected to be remitted by the centre has not come. This amount is directly remitted to the accounts of the beneficiaries. Certain sources say that a total sum of Rs 1,80,48,548 is pending in respect of Puttur and Kadaba taluks and Rs 70 lac towards material cost is yet to be disbursed.

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Under NREGA scheme, the amounts are divided into wages and materials. Rules say that these two segments should be in the 60:40 ratio. Those who work get Rs 285 per day as coolies. Every gram panchayat submits nominal master roll. Material cost bill for iron, stone, cement etc will be separate. As per rule, if the coolie is not paid within 15 days, 25 percent unemployment allowance needs to be paid. No one knows whether the government will pay for this.

Some sources claim that mistakes made by gram panchayats of Puttur taluk when submitting action plan has caused this problem. Unless all the details are provided in the bill, the government cannot process the matter. Another source says that panchayat development officers have submitted bills properly but there is delay at government level.

Dr Kumar, chief executive officer of Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat says that delay is on account of delay in material verification. He said that the amount is expected in one or two weeks.